MANILA, Philippines — A teacher from Iloilo province has landed in the Top 10 of the Global Teacher Prize 2018, Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates announced in a statement on Thursday.
Jesus Insilada was recognized for his culture-based approach in teaching the subjects of English and creative writing that has engaged students to learn through traditional dances, songs, epics, local games, and crafts at the Caninguan National High School in Lambunao, Iloilo.
He is also a member of the indigenous people’s Panay Bukidnon community.
Insilada was the first in his family of farmers to become a professional. Through his approach, Insilada’s students have achieved their age-expected grades, assessed through tests, at 87 percent.
He also received other national and international awards for teaching, writing, and support for indigenous culture.
Varkey Foundation and Global Teacher Prize founder Sunny Varkey hoped Insilada’s story will inspire those looking to enter the teaching profession.
The other nine global finalists are: Nurten Akkuş from Turkey, Marjorie Brown from South Africa, Luis Miguel Bermudez Gutierrez from Colombia, Glenn Lee from the United States, Diego Mahfouz Faria Lima from Brazil, Koen Timmers from Belgium, Eddie Woo from Australia, Andria Zafirakou from the United Kingdom, and Barbara Anna Zielonka from Norway.
The winner, who will be given a $1-million award, will be announced during the Global Education and Skills Forum in Dubai on March 18.
All ten finalists have been invited to the award ceremony.
The Global Teacher Prize aims to recognize one exceptional teacher, who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession while shining a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society.
The 10 finalists were selected from over a Top-50 shortlist, coming from 30,000 nominations and applications from 173 countries across the globe.